Britain now Europe’s biggest market for Ferrari

One in every ten of Ferrari’s sports cars is now bought in Britain (Picture: AFP)

Big spending entrepreneurs have made Britain Europe’s biggest market for Ferraris – overtaking sales in Germany into the bargain.

One in every ten of its sports cars is now bought in Britain, the Italian manufacturer revealed.

British buyers snapped up 677 vehicles despite each model having a basic price tag of between £152,154 and £227,142.

This compared to German drivers who ordered 652 – a drop of almost 100 on the previous year.

According to the manufacturer, the idea that Ferrari drivers are largely celebrities and footballers is a myth.

Most cars are sold to successful business people who want to invest in the heritage brand as a reward, a spokesman said.

‘For many of the new British buyers, owning a Ferrari is definitely a lifetime dream which has been worked very hard for,’ he added. Fewer than 7,000 cars were built last year, meaning delivery can take between 12 and 18 months.

But buyers are prepared to wait for a luxury vehicle in which Formula One technology is a big draw.

Ferrari said: ‘Heritage is important. Vehicles have the same F1 badge on the side as the brand’s racing cars and also share F1 aerodynamics and engine management.

‘Personalisation costs around an extra €50,000 (£41,000) but it’s still very popular.’

The car maker also announced revenues and profits rose in 2013 despite capping production at its hi-tech factory in Modena, northern Italy, to keep the brand super-exclusive.